ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.
Listen "#33 — How To Get Promoted In Banking | Philip Kunz on Pay, Politics & Leadership: “Sucking Up To Your Boss Doesn’t Help Much.” “Your Peers Are The Most Influential As You Rise In Leadership.”"
Episode Synopsis
Veteran banking leader Philip Kunz dismantles the biggest myths about rising in banking — from promotions and politics to influencing people who don’t report to you.Across 40 years in wealth management, Philip held senior leadership roles at UBS, ABN AMRO, and Credit Suisse, led Global Private Banking for South Asia at HSBC, and is now Senior Advisor & Group Head Southeast Asia at Nomura International Wealth Management.In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to rise — and stay — at the top of global financial institutions: how to navigate complex matrix organizations, what to do when politics and perception turn against you, and the real responsibilities that come with senior leadership beyond the title.If you work in banking, finance, wealth management, or any large matrix organization, this episode will reshape how you think about career growth, influence, and leadership.Chapters:00:00 – Intro02:50 – Can you be “nice” and still make it to the top?05:18 – Kind vs soft: authenticity, respect & tough conversations06:48 – Navigating complex matrix organizations08:32 – Influencing without authority: why peers matter most11:30 – Standing out among ambitious peers14:28 – Promotions: merit, perception, relationships19:25 – Pay, entitlement & sustainability in private banking24:10 – Promotion frameworks, transparency & manager responsibilities28:25 – What is politics in the corporate world?33:28 – How to recover when perception turns against you37:45 – At the top: does it get easier or harder?40:25 – Tough decisions: retrenchments & impact on people42:12 – The privilege and burden of senior leadership44:50 – From apprentice to MD46:40 – What keeps Philip going48:28 – Traits of the most respected senior leaders50:05 – What “You Never Know” means to Philip51:45 – Closing👍 If you found this episode meaningful, like, subscribe, comment, and share it with someone who needs it today.🔔 Follow Nicole Lee and the You Never Know Podcast, where we talk about life, career, finance, and health with visionary people who’ve taken the unconventional road and embraced the unknown.---🔗 Connect with Philip Kunz🌐 LinkedIn: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/philip-marcus-kunz-9b0b45186 🔗 Connect with Nicole Lee🌐 Website: www.youneverknow.co👤 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleleethisisme📺 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nicoleleethisisme📲 Instagram / TikTok: @nicoleleethisisme
In God we trust